PINOY NZ LIFE
REACHING FILIPINOS ACROSS NZ FOR OVER 18 YEARS! Vol 8 No 129 Published Fortnightly. Circulated Nationwide. SETTLING IN NZ Print. Web. Tablet. Mobile. FB. YouTube.
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10-year old Jazz Vidamo was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Championships of Performing Arts 2019 in Hollywood.
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Facebook: Filipino Migrant News Philippines and was known as ‘Princess Sopra-no.’ Jazz has performed in Waikato, Rotorua and Auckland. And she has won several comp e t i t i o n s : H a m i l t o n Competitions Society, NZ Opera Idol, Rotorua's Talent and Variety Show and the Waipa Music Festival. Last year, Jazz was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). This event has been running for 23 years where singers, musicians, dancers, variety artists, actors and models compete for the coveted title of ‘Grand Champion of the World’. For months, the Vidamo family had been busy doing fundraising concerts and events to get them to Hollywood. Family, friends, companies, local communities, and several organisations have provided their encouragement and financial support.
Opera Princess
pg 2 Filipino-Kiwi Jazz Vidamo from Matamata is making a name for herself internationally as an opera singer.
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ing a famous opera singer in New Zealand and beyond. Her rise to fame began when Jazz Vidamo; back then she was 8 years old, caught the eye of a
By MEL FERNANDEZ
MATAMATA, Waikato - This rural township is world famous for being the cradle of Hobbiton. And now it has more exciting news to share with all
www.filipinoheroes.nz
and sundry - the fact that Matamata’s got talent and heaps of it in one small package. Folks in this sleepy hollow are delighted to have discovered a
ROGUE JOB AGENCIES IN THE FIRING LINE President Duterte is setting up a Department of OFWs to prevent abusive recruiters from harming more Filipinos.
young opera prodigy in their midst. A gem of a girl who is being nurtured and treasured by locals - because she is about to realise her dream of becom-
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reporter at The Matamata Chronicle, when she placed first in vocals and was the overall winner for her age group with Puccini's ‘O Mio Babbino caro’ at the Waipa Christian Music Festival. For a while Jazz preferred pop singing and loved Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor. But that changed when she heard sopranos Jacke Evancho and Laura Bretan on ‘America’s Got Talent’. Jazz shares her passion for music with her parents who are both musicians and her grandmother who is a music teacher. Her great grandmother was an opera singer in the
PARENT VISA POLITICS “ L i f t i n g t h e m o r a t o r ium on residency visas for parents of migrants is long overdue,” says David Cooper.
CAVITE ON A PLATE
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BUHAY NZ
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Over a 1 0 0 F i l i p i n o - K i w i H e r o e s honoured by Filipino Migrant News since 2014 : w w w . f i l i p i n o h e r o e s . n z
Over a 100 Filipino-Kiwi heroes honoured to date
This year the Filipino Migrant News/ Pinoy NZ Life HERO AWARDS focuses on the unsung heroes who have been championing Pinoy workers rights. Whistleblowers. Journalists. Unionists. Migrant Advocacy Groups. And others ... We welcome your input. email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz mobile : 027 495 8477
Q&A: By Mel Fernandez FMN’s Interview with Jazz Vidamo and her Mum, Leigh. FMN: Who are your favourite opera singers? JAZZ: Jackie Evancho, Patricia Janeckova and Laura Bretan. FMN: What are your favourite opera songs? JAZZ: I like all of them, but my favourite is ‘La donna e mobile'. FMN: Does Jazz understand the lyrics in Italian and Latin songs? LEIGH: Yes, we make sure that she has an idea of what she is singing so she can connect with it. FMN: Are you finding it easy to sing in foreign languages? JAZZ: No, but I am really fascinated and I really enjoying learning them. FMN: Is the vocal training for singing opera very rigorous? LEIGH: Yes. We travel to
Jazz Vidamo
Hamilton, which is an hour away from Matamata, once a week and she usually does an hour and a half or two per session. FMN: How is Jazz coping with the intensive routine? LEIGH: She is determined to get her one hour practice in every day at home. She is also learning theory and will sit for her singing and theory exam at the end of this year. When we get back to NZ from the US, she will start preparing to compete at the Te Awamutu competitions in September and the prestigious NZ Aria this November. FMN: We’ve heard that Jazz has released an album? LEIGH: Yes, it is titled ‘The Dream Begins’ and features six songs that range from opera to musical theatre and even a Filipino folk song. FMN: What’s next for Jazz? LEIGH: We are still here in America and will be meet-
ing with a couple of Hollywood producers who are interested in working with Jazz. She will also be releasing her first music video in a couple of weeks. FMN: Jazz, do you have other interests besides singing? JAZZ: I love musical theatre. Last year I did Disney’s ‘The little Mermaid Junior’ the musical. I was ‘Arista’, one of the Mersisters. I also like photography and arts. I got my first concert ukulele recently and I am trying to learn how to play a few songs. FMN: Do you have a message for your supporters? JAZZ: I would like to thank all the people that I have come across who have helped me to keep on pursuing my dream. I am really excited about what lies ahead of me and I feel so blessed to have you all along on this journey.
Aileen Dela Rosa’s video interview with Jazz now showing at www.filipinonews.nz
JAZZ VIDAMO
2019
Editor: Jazz Vidamo will be featured in “Songs of Aroha”, a benefit concert for the victims of family violence
organised by Mrs Universe NZ 2019 Candidate Aileen Dela Rosa. The concert is on the 31st of August, Saturday, 7:30pm
filipinonews.nz Music Awards
at Milford Baptist Auditorium in Auckland. For ticket sales, please ring/text 022 063 1137. Tickets are $15 each.
JAZZ VIDAMO 12 year old Kiwi Filipino Opera Singer from Matamata.
Champion of the World 2019 - Division Winner Last year Jazz was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). This event has been running for 23 years, where singers, musicians, dancers, variety artists, actors and models compete for the coveted title of ‘Grand Champion of the World’. For months the Vidamo family had been busy doing fundraising concerts and events to get them to Hollywood. Family, friends, companies, local communities and several organisations have provided their encouragement and financial support. The Dame Malvina Foundation that offers support for young opera singers in New Zealand referred a well-known
voice teacher named Jane Tankersley to train and mentor Jazz in preparation for WCOPA. Then finally in July she competed in this prestigious Hollywood event that has over 4,000 acts and 750 competitors with 72 countries participating. Out of the six categories she entered, she medalled in five of them. 2019 Champion of the World Open category Division Winner. Gold medallist Open category with the song ‘Nessun Dorma'. Silver medallist Opera category with ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’. Silver medallist Gospel category singing ‘Pie Jesu’. Silver medallist Variety category - ‘In Summer’. Silver medallist World category - ‘Sa Kabukiran’.
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By MEL FERNANDEZ This play brings Pinoy pride on stage - depicting the joys, tears and laughter of every Filipino migrant in New Zealand AUCKLAND – It has been a long time coming Auckland’s first FilipinoKiwi play. Whereas in Australia – granted it has a bigger talent pool in proportion to it’s huge Filipino community – there are many prolific Pinoy playwrights, including Manny G. Asuncion, who wrote 7 plays. As you would expect Filipino-Australian plays have been wowing audiences there for decades. Then lo and behold, here comes PINAY, a heart-warming contribution to the New Zealand scene written by emerging Filipino-Kiwi playwright Marianne Infante. It is billed as “an explosive, moving and joyous romp shaking the founda-
‘Pinay’ – the first Filipino-Kiwi play tions of Filipino and Kiwi culture.” And it will run from 13-24 August at the Basement Theatre in Auckland (book at iticket.co.nz). It was a delight listening to Marianne talk about the storyline, the big themes for the play and the journey to finally bring it to fruition. Firstly a word about her credentials. Marianne gained a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts degree graduating from Unitec in 2016. She was the 2019 Auckland Theatre Awards Outstanding Newcomer winner. “The motivation to write a Filipino-Kiwi play started after I left drama school but deciding to commit to writing the play took some time. Fortunately I found my feet with the Proud Asian Theatre Company.”
We gather that the play is a semi-autobiographical tale about migration and assimilation in an adopted country. By the way, Marianne moved to Christchurch from the Philippines when she was 11. (She recently relocated to Auckland). PINAY merges Marianne’s experiences with the geological catastrophes of Philippines’ Mt Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the Christchurch earthquakes. What was the inspiration for this play? "I was inspired by my confusion of who I was, who I have become and the desire to understand what my mana is. I’m inspired by my family, both blood and the whanau that chose me," says Marianne. She has the lead role in the play – cast as Alex. According to Donna
Dacuno Dacuno, who joins the cast as Alex’s fierce yet warm mother ‘Mariella’: "PINAY is a grounded migrant's autobiographical tale from the point-of-view of the uprooted children. “It reveals familial intricacies that should be more often verbalised, heard, acknowledged and negotiated. It also displays some of the funny and annoying Filipino migration realities that make it such a relatable family journey. "PINAY brings back memories and grounding of my Filipino upbringing. I probably lived, witnessed and rebelled against some of the PINAY themes back in the Philippines. “For me, the character of Mariella provides us with a glimpse of a typical post-Maria Clara matriarch - strong female in the
BUHAY NZ
Marianne Infante
classic Filipino middleclass roles of Anak (daughter), Tita (aunt), Ate (sister), and Mama (mom) in one." Directed by James Roque, PINAY features an ensemble cast of predominantly Filipino actors including Marwin Silerio (Orientation), Donna Dacuno (Apple), newcomer Richard Perillo and Marianne Infante (Meera, Tide Waits for No Man: Episode Grace) herself, alongside Lucas Haugh (Watch Party) and Matiu Hamuera (City of 100 Lovers). On writing the piece, Marianne Infante says: “It’s more than just wanting to see Pinoys being represented and celebrat-
ed in the landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. “It’s the cathartic exploration of what it means to belong and assimilate in Aotearoa as an intersectional Filipina migrant.” Basement Theatre Programming Director Gabrielle Vincent says “We are super excited about the talent of Marianne Infante and her new work PINAY." Finally we asked Marianne - what excites her most about this play? "What excites me the most about my play happening is the fact that I and my friends finally get to share, represent and celebrate my culture in, and with, Aotearoa."
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Voice of New Kiwis, International Students
SETTLING IN NZ INVERCARGILL Before coming here I had this picture in my mind of New Zealand as a green pasture for me to explore. I remember when I was a kid, my mom used to buy an 'everybody’s milk' brand imported from this land. As I processed my student visa I was even warned by friends and relatives that there are more cows and sheep here than people. Finally, I was airportbound for the long journey ahead. Then, as the plane prepared to land at Invercargill airport, I peeped through the window and took some shots with my mobile phone. Lo and behold, it really is a green pasture. However, it is not because of the hundreds of farms that I’ve seen from above, but because I saw a booming city that seems to be prepared to expand exponentially from that bird’s eye view before the eagle has finally landed on the runway of Otatara. I was suddenly filled with hope that someday I will be able to graduate, make a living amongst the most welcoming people in Southland and bring my family to live a better life in this blessed It pays to comply with minimum employment standards. • Compliance by employers with minimum employment standards is a serious concern for the Labour Inspectorate. • Penalties for noncompliance can be up to $100,000 (for a company) and even more for financial gain, plus the risk of negative publicity and hiring bans. Employers are being warned about the importance and consequences of meeting their minimum employment standards obligations. The Labour Inspectorate is active in enforcing
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By JAY MIJARES
I 27th Year of Publication
‘He makes me lie down i n green pastures.’ I know that difficulties may arise, but I just try to lean on the promises of the One Good Shepherd, as King David of old wrote: 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for place. On the other hand, this is just a dream for now that I’d prefer not to wake up from. Yet, with every small step that I make every day - meeting new people and slowly expanding my horizons, exploring the school, the community, the culture, and the people - I believe that I am making progress towards my dream. And I owe it to
His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my ene-
the multicultural organizations like Southland Multicultural Council (SMC) operating in the city. Events being organized by SMC made me feel at home in the midst of diversity. So I was drawn to volunteer part of my spare time in order to help advance the cause of the council in drawing people together and learning from each
Jay Mijares mies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
other’s culture. Furthermore, coming from a tropical country, it is a big thing for me to adjust to the chilly weather. But, while the winter wind starts to make my bones shiver in the middle of the night, the warm and welcoming hearts of those I meet melts the cold away during the day. So while I am the only Filipino in my batch of Applied Management
my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Bible-MEV).'
students at the Southern Institute of Technology, good people who make me feel at home away from home abound. Even someone in the street readily greets me as I walk to and fro within the community. Thus I am able to conquer homesickness. As the place holds the promise of transforming into a bustling city, the caring individuals that
Employers: Don’t get caught out! these obligations. Stu Lumsden, National M a n a g e r L a b o u r Inspectorate MBIE, says: “Breaches of employees’ rights won’t be tolerated in New Zealand. “Employers who fail to meet their minimum legal obligations are warned that they are likely to be investigated and if breaches are found then they will be followed up
with enforcement action. “In the most serious cases the potential penalties, arrears orders and hiring bans could effectively lead a non-compliant employer to go out of business.
“In the media we regularly see serious cases of migrant employees being exploited in their jobs, leading to issues such as unpaid wages and leave and unfair dismissals. “Unfortunately, we also regularly see some migrant employers exploiting staff who are often members of their own community. “While most employers are fair, there is clearly a need to keep strict compliance, including in migrant communities.” The Employment New
Zealand website provides a full range of free resources for both employees and employers. Go to www.employment.govt.nz and enter the key words 'minimum rights of employees'. The resources include quick guides and publications in more than 10 translated languages. “Current and future employers and employees will benefit from using the resources to identify and resolve issues early, before they become prob-
prefer to thrive and live in peace together despite differing ethnicities really make it special. And with great zeal in this new land I am preparing to make my green pasture a reality. Editor: Free copies of Pinoy NZ Life are now available at Southland Multicultural Council’s office.
lems. In particular, an ongoing issue for businesses is keeping proper records,” says Stu. Penalties for non-compliance can be up to $100,000 (for a company) and even more for examples of an employer’s financial gain, plus the risk of negative publicity. Serious breaches of the law are published in the news. To contact Employment New Zealand visit: www. employment.govt.nz. Phone: 0800 20 90 20 toll-free. A free interpreting service is available. Text supplied.
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Opinion
Migrant outlets give plastic bags the boot
By MEL FERNANDEZ AUCKLAND – Recently, when I went to pick up a take-away meal order at Turo Turo Restaurant in Glen Innes, I was not expecting this the dishes were neatly packed in brown paper bag. How very convenient. However, at some Asian take-aways you have to carry the freshly made piping hot food in plastic containers and risk getting burnt - or be prepared to cough up 30 cents or more for a paper bag. But seriously, for good PR outcomes - couldn't these businesses go a step further and absorb the cost of paper bags? After all it has not gone unnoticed that the price of dishes on their takeaway menus have been rising stealthily - from around $10 for mains to $12 and now as much as $14 - in order to meet rising labour costs and other overhead costs.
This notwithstanding, it is good to see migrant business give single-use plastic bags the boot. I would like to believe that business owners are environmentalists at heart. They want to ensure that less plastic ends up in rivers, streams, stormwater systems and the ocean, so that seabirds, fish, turtles and marine mammals are less vulnerable to being harmed by it. Businesses were given six months ahead of the ban to phase-out singleuse plastic bags.
“New Zealanders are proud of our country’s clean, green reputation and want to help ensure that we live up to it. Ending the use of singleuse plastic shopping bags helps do that,” says Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage. “People who take their own re-usable bags help local businesses and markets. New regulations mean that such businesses can no longer provide their customers with a single-use plastic shopping bag to carry their
purchases in. “At the start of plasticfree July, the plastic shopping bag ban is one step towards tackling New Zealand’s waste issues. “We also need to recharge our materials recovery and recycling systems and shift to a circular economy.” Mainstream supermarkets have already made the change away from single-use plastic shopping bags and report that this has stopped tens of millions of bags being handed out for as little as 10 minutes use each.
New Zealanders appear to have made a rapid transition to reusable bags; with 56% of shoppers in April 2018 bringing reusable bags and this increasing to 91% always/often bringing their own reusable bag in September 2018, according to survey research done for the Ministry for the Environment. “Government regulations and the sum of many individual actions make a difference. New Zealanders remembering to take their reusable bags is stopping tens of millions
of single-use plastic bags becoming waste each year.” The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has focused on educating businesses about the ban and have a toolkit for businesses on their website. There is an online portal on MfE’s website so that people can report businesses that are still giving out single-use plastic bags after the ban takes effect.
Meng Foon
appointed Race Relations Commissioner
Retiring Gisborne mayor Meng Foon will be the next Race Relations Commissioner. The role has been vacant since the former Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy stood down a year ago. Mr Foon will be responsible for leading the work of Crown entity Human Rights Commission in promoting positive race relations. The Human Rights Commission also works to encourage equal employment opportunities and resolve complaints about discrimination and related issues. Mr Foon told Morning Report there was a need to address poverty, lift the rate of average salaries, better housing for the homeless because "rents are horrendous" at the
present, Treaty of Waitangi issues needed to be addressed, and focussing on building economics of the iwi. He said race relations was just a part of the job. "I want to showcase New Zealand as a great country to live and in order to do that, it will be great for all of us to tell all of our stories so we can understand more of each other's ethnicities, our cultures, the way that we do things ... and continue to enhance harmonious relations." Justice Minister Andrew Little said Mr Foon had an exceptional record in relationship building. "He has an outstanding record as a relationship builder and walks comfortably in the pakeha world, the Maori world, the Chinese community
and other communities making up New Zealand," he said. "Race relations is a priority area for the Human Rights Commission. We need to continue to break down barriers to racial and ethnic equality in New Zealand society." Mr Little said he regretted it took this long to appoint a Commissioner, after delays caused by an unsuccessful applicant who sought first an injunction and then a judicial review over the process. "It has been a long wait but I am confident this is an excellent appointment," Mr Little said. Mr Foon will be stepping down at the end of this year after 18 years as mayor. Mr Foon was elected as a councillor in 1995 before successfully running for mayor in 2001. He is currently the only mayor fluent in te reo Maori. He takes up the role as Race Relations Commissioner on 26 August. - RNZ
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New ETA Visa: R e c i p e f o r c h a o s a n d c o n f u s i o n ? This coming October, all travellers from visa waiver countries and all cruise travellers will be required to hold an Electronic Travel Authority before travelling to New Zealand. The ETA, which will cost between 9 to 12 NZD, has supposedly been introduced to speed up and simplify processing at the border. However, the short amount of time between announcing the ETA and making it mandatory will only lead to chaos and confusion as Aaron Martin, New Zealand immigration law expert, explains.
OPINION: By Aaron Martin On February 25th, the details of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) were confirmed by the New Zealand Government. The ETA, as described by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), is a “security and facilitation measure that will help speed things up at the border”. Travellers who are required to hold an ETA before they travel to New Zealand will include: • Travellers from visa waiver countries • Australian permanent residents (with the exception of Australian passport holders)
• All cruise ship passengers, regardless of nationality • Air and cruise crew People in these groups will be able to apply for the ETA from next month, with the authority becoming mandatory to those wishing to enter the country from October 1st. Applications for the ETA will vary in cost, from 9 NZD (if done via a mobile application) to 12 NZD (if done via the website). The decision process will take up to 72 hours (except in the case of an
emergency, which will require a different process and cost) and isn’t to replace any existing immigration requirements. The initial application fees are said to cover the cost of running the system, which will exceed $14 million per annum. The government will also implement a Tourism and Conservation Levy of $35 per person, which will go towards conservation and infrastructure costs. The levy, which exempts Australian
Permanent Residents, will last for the same duration as the ETA. The short timeframe between the introduction of the ETA and the date it becomes mandatory – which happens to fall in the middle of the official 'China New Zealand Year of Tourism' – will result in serious complications at the border. This raises the question: why can’t the government just slow down and do it properly? The obvious answer? Revenue and possibly to keep pace with other
partners in the international security network that have introduced the same thing. While the initial application costs seem somewhat modest, there’s no doubt that $12 for every visa waiver visitor annually covers more than just implementation and admin costs. There is also no doubt that, like any tax or revenue-gathering exercise, this fee will soon increase. Despite INZ’s claim that the authority is set to “speed things up at the
border”, the rushed implementation of the system – and resulting lack of awareness for illinformed travellers – will simply create chaos and confusion. What will happen if someone fails to obtain an ETA in advance of trying to get on their flight? Will they be prevented from boarding? Or, if they are allowed to travel but arrive in New Zealand without an ETA, what will happen then? continued on page 8
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Pinoy beekeepers gear up for the season OPINION By CELSO ROGER BALDO
Pinoy beekeepers are here either on a permanent or seasonal basis working in companies throughout New Zealand. CAMBRIDGE - After more than a month’s break to catch up with friends and family back home in the Philippines, most Filipino beekeepers are now back here in Aotearoa. They are now busy at the beekeeping outfits where they work gearing up for the 2019-2020 season. The season starts with the preparation of gear to go around to check hives with. This is to assess the hive
ing and at the strength and its same time mainremaining tain a number of amount of stored food to see if it bee colonies in the lowlands and needs topping up uplands of the with sugar syrup. Cordillera Preparation of region. hive gear such as Among the the bee box and institutions frame assembly where many of as well as queen the beekeepers rearing gear are were trained are among the jobs to Saint Louis do this August. University - EISThis is to jump SIF Benguet start the season Beekeeping for the coming Service Centre in spring build up Baguio city, with strong DMMMSUemphasis on bee ATDC (now nutrition, varroa NARTDI) in mite reduction Bacnotan La and good quality Union, ATI-CAR queens. As apiculture is seen as one of the thriving Benguet State These hardindustries where Filipinos can find work, University in La working beekeepit is advisable for new beekeepers to Trinidad, UPLB ers are here attend training and gain more experience in Laguna and either on a perbefore applying for jobs. the former DAmanent or seaC e n t r a l sonal basis, working in the different bee- seas they acquire training Cordillera Agricultural keeping companies locat- on beekeeping at institu- Programme, a European ed throughout New tions in the Philippines funded project in collaboZealand. that offer short and long ration with the GovernPrior to working over- term training on beekeep- ment of the Philippines.
Likewise, others have firsthand experience at local honey bee farms and cooperatives in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao in individual beekeeping outfits started by their parents, friends or relatives which run as commercial, semi-commercial or hobbyist operations. Aside from acquiring their first hand training in the Philippines some have previous experience working in commercial beekeeping operations in countries like Canada, Australia and Saudi Arabia. Most Filipino beekeepers have proven skills and a good work ethic to deliver the expected output during the day to day job of running the operation together with their Kiwi counterparts and other counterparts of various nationalities. As apiculture is seen as one of the thriving industries where Filipinos can find work, it is advisable for new beekeepers to
attend training and gain more experience before applying for jobs. On the other hand, those beekeepers who are already working and have experience might want to take courses to level up, either online or to physically attend if given the time and resources, as New Zealand standards are different from overseas in terms of beekeeping qualifications. Leading institutions in New Zealand such as the TELFORD campus at Lincoln University and the Primary Industry Training Organization can be contacted on how to acquire the New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture. These qualifications can be used for future references if wanting to work and progress further in the Apiculture industry or wanting to stay and live permanently in New Zealand.
Foto credit: Pellegrini Farm Girl.
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People being badly hurt by
parent visa politics OPINION
“Lifting the moratorium on residency visas for parents of migrants is long overdue,” says the head of one of New Zealand’s largest firm of licensed immigration advisers. David Cooper, director of Malcolm Pacific Immigration, says that the parent visa situation was never out of control, even when it was placed on hold in October 2016 prior to the last General Election. Mr Cooper, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the sector, says that the people
affected are being badly hurt unnecessarily. Parliament’s Education and Workforce Select Committee heard a petition this week, organised by David Barker and signed by 8420 people, for the moratorium to be lifted. Evidence given to the committee tackled myths that some old people emigrated to New Zealand and became a burden on the state, or were left here by their children, who then moved on to fresher pastures. An Immigration New Zealand spokesperson said that its study of a 2013 cohort of migrants under the parent visa showed that none had applied for any state benefit in
the first two years and only one percent had after five years. The idea that migrants left parents here was also debunked, with 86% of migrants who had sponsored as far back as 2003-04 still living in New Zealand and 97% of those sponsoring in 2011-12 also still living in New Zealand. Mr Cooper says that he is meeting people who have spent several years in New Zealand, often providing valuable professional services, who are packing their bags to leave to go back to be near parents. “We are losing valuable skilled people,” he says. “Most countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and
David Cooper
Australia, do have a pathway for parents. “Governments should either have a policy that says parents, who are often grandparents, can’t get into the country, or they should make a policy that determines how these people may get a visa and make it work,” Mr Cooper says. “Keeping people in limbo for nearly three years is not good in terms of their wellbeing. I think most Kiwis would see it as quite uncaring.”
Immigration lawyer urges government to act quickly on parent visas An immigration lawyer says the government should move quickly to lift the moratorium on the parent category visa, because families have been waiting too long for a decision. Last week, Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said he was still considering. He wouldn't give a time frame for when a decision would be made but said it would be before the next election. Lawyer Aaron Martin said potentially thousands of families were being left in limbo, wondering how they would plan their lives with ageing parents. "There's been indications that it was going to be done shortly after the election and it was supposed to be about midway through this year and now it seems to [be] becoming the carrot that's going to be dangled in front of a portion of the electorate prior to the next election," Mr Martin said.
Ian Lees-Galloway
The parent category visa was frozen by the National government in 2016. It allowed parents of migrants who had been permanent residents for more than three years to live here. Immigration New Zealand last week said there was no evidence that people on parent category visas were taking advantage of social assistance. It gave a submission to the Education and Workforce select committee on a urging the government to lift the moratorium on the visa. RNZ
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Cavite
on a plate An emerging food destination south of Manila By GLADYS PINTO KAWIT, Cavite – Cavite is gradually boosting the food and beverage industry on top of its manufacturing hub, leveraging its "most populous" status to high consumption in retail services as among the top drivers of the province’s economy. “Given this direction, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) stepped in to help promote not just Cavite’s rich historical past, but its various gastronomical treasures and what makes Cavite unique for the palates of the food-loving public,” PTCAO officer-in-charge Rozelle Sangalang said recently. To position the province as the emerging food destination in southern Luzon, PTCAO embarked on a series of activities “to revolutionise traditional Cavite dishes and delicacies”,
through its 'A Taste of Cavite: An appreciation of Cavite’s Old Cuisines'. The undertaking aims to make professional chefs and culinary teachers and their students, aware of, appreciate and come up with innovative approaches on how to promote and showcase Cavite’s cultural history of local cuisines, "but without losing its authenticity”, Sangalang said. These activities include workshops and cooking demonstrations with Razor Philippines Executive Chef and 'Punong Heneral' of Cavite’s Culinary Generals, Chef Christopher G. Carangian, and culminate in a 'culinary tour' to showcase some of Cavite’s famous cuisines and dishes. The tour had its initial run on December 14 last year, where it showcased famous, heirloom cuisines in the municipalities of Kawit, Tanza and Amadeo, as well as in the cities of Imus and Tagaytay. Aside from satisfying one's palate, the tour offers snippets of history and traditions and reflects some traits of the towns and their people with the way they prepare and share their famous
dishes. The first stop, where the province’s greatness is rooted, is the historic Kawit town. Chef Michelle Ortega taught the participants not just how to cook the favourite dish of General Aguinaldo, but highlighted what makes it unique compared to other Cavite towns' versions. Kawit’s 'adobong dilaw' uses turmeric “because of its therapeutic features”, unlike the 'achiote' or Annato seeds - an orange-red condiment and food colouring used not just to impart a yellow or orange colour to foods, but sometimes also for its flavour and aroma - used by the other Cavite towns. A buffet of toclongganisa from Imus City’s Toclong 1st MultiPurpose Cooperative came next, where preparations using old recipes passed on from generation to generation were featured. Imus City’s longganisa uses no vinegar, but has garlic and has a similarity although it is more intensely flavoured than the Hungarian sausage. Lunch was at Casa Real in Tanza town where guests partook of
the Spanish-Filipino cuisine. This location was chosen as they serve Caviteño cuisines where ingredients are sourced from what is available in the locality. The appetiser is dried pusit (squid) with tamarind sauce and 'patis tanza' (as Tanza is a coastal town, their patis or salty sauce version is made of alamang or shrimp and not fish) and they use available local products. For the main course, the owners of this nearly century-old house prepared 'kalandrakas - a mix of vegetables, whatever is available in the surrounding area like legumes, sweet potatoes and the 'heart' or the flower bud of a banana mixed with noodles. The dish earned its name from the old tradition where money is not the help, contribution you give to the dead, but whatever you harvest.
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The other food choices included 'kaldereta', an heirloom recipe which forms part of the establishment’s Spanish specialities. Its large cut was due to the absence of refrigerators in the past, where all the ingredients were cooked at the same time and the remaining pieces were shared with the neighbours. There was also crunchy pork 'binagoongan' (pork laced with shrimp paste), tokwa (soya bean) 'sisig' (a Filipino dish made of minced pork, chopped onions and chicken liver) for the health conscious, Paella (which uses squid, due to the coastal features of Tanza) and lemon ginger mint for refreshment. A tour of Cavite is not complete without visiting Amadeo town, the coffee capital of the Philippines and famous for its Pahimis festival. The last stop is at Amira’s in Tagaytay City,
famous for its 'buko' (fleshy coconut) pie. The PTCAO is set to engage more stakeholders for events like this, to ensure that the traditional cuisines are promoted, preserved, yet adapted to the changing palates of food lovers. Cavite, located on the Southern shores of Manila bay, abounds not just with historic sites and landmarks - being home to a number of Filipino heroes - but also offers a wide range of food specialities to satisfy one's taste buds. (PNA) TRAVEL FOOD: Check out our South East Asian food reviews at: www.travelgalore.nz Do you have a travel tale to tell? Or travel videos / photos you’d like to share with our readers? Please email details to: melfernandez@xtra.co.nz
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SETTLING IN NZ
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Asian parents worry more about child’s development, new survey reveals A leading health insurer, nib, has released the insights from its inaugural nib State of the Nation Parenting Survey, taking a comprehensive look into the concerns and trends facing parents in New Zealand today. Findings indicate that parents within Asian communities were more likely to experience higher levels of concern and pressure relating to technology, education, family and relationships, and health. One in three Asian parents (32 percent) reported having felt pressure or judgement relating to their child’s stage of development, compared with one in four (23 percent) of all respondents. In addition, 17 percent of Asian parents expressed extreme concern over their own parenting skills - more than double that of other parents surveyed at seven (7) percent. Asian parents were also significantly more likely to cite higher levels of concern relating to their children’s mental health, ability to cope with school assessments, social skills and dealing with peer pressure. Concerns around their child’s ownership of electronic devices and feeling pressure to upgrade their devices on a regular basis were also more commonly reported. When it comes to the “sex talk” Asian parents are also more likely to feel it’s not appropriate for them to have this conversation with their children at all, or that it should only take place with children 18 years or older. Parenting expert, Nathan Wallis, says “It’s normal for cultural factors to play a part in parenting styles, so it’s not surprising to see these results. No matter their background, parents who are feeling concerned about their child’s wellbeing can take advantage of the raft of resources available; there are a multitude of trusted web-
sites which provide advice and actionable tips on a range of parenting issues.” More broadly speaking, the survey findings suggest that the potential impact of social media on our children is, overwhelmingly, the biggest source of worry for parents in New Zealand – with nearly half (45 percent) of the 1200 respondents expressing either extreme or high levels of concern on this issue. Coming in at a close second is children’s use of technology and screen time, at 37 percent. The nature of parents’ concerns varied significantly, with respondents most commonly citing worries over the amount of time children spend on devices, online safety and bullying, the potential to view inappropriate content, and the potential impact on physical and mental health. Worries over the amount of time parents have to spend with their children also emerged as a major trend, with over three quarters (76 percent) of those surveyed expressing some level of concern on this topic. One in five Asian parents (22 percent) also expressed extreme concern over the amount of time they have available to spend with their children, compared to 11 percent of other respondents. “Overwhelmingly, the survey has highlighted that whatever challenges you’re dealing with, you’re not alone. These sorts of conversations can be really important when you’re caught up in the day to day of being a parent, and we hope that families take some comfort from that sense of shared experience,” says Mr Hennin.
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ISSUE 129
TRAVELOGUE
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Ethno-tourism meets adventure in ‘Diversity’ Buckle up for a different travel experience in one of the Philippines’ culture and history-rich provinces, Tarlac, in 'Diversity' seen via TFC Online. QUEZON CITY Travelling is one of the things that interest millennials today, but not the leisurely type of travel. They are now on the lookout for the authentic and experience-filled type of
travel. In the article 'Millennial travellers look for adventure, experience' published in USA Today in June 2018, WYSE Travel Confederation content and social media coordinator Megan Janicke said that, “exploring other cultures, learning about everyday life in another country and meeting locals and increasing ones knowledge about others and oneself” are some of the top reasons why millenni-
A new inflight biosecurity video will remind international visitors about the importance of protecting Aotearoa from unwanted pests and diseases. Biosecurity New Zealand launched the video that will play to arriving passengers on all airlines with screen capacity. Head of Biosecurity New Zealand Roger Smith says that all visitors to the country and Kiwis returning home can help protect New Zealand from harm-
als want to travel. This experience is known as Ethno-tourism, where as well as appreciating the spectacular tourist spots of the country, one also gets a deeper understanding of the country’s culture by experiencing the locals’ way of living - an experience that the TFC Digital Short, ‘Diversity’, hopes to bring to its audiences. “They say that experience is the best teacher. So we looked for foreign
exchange students from different universities around Metro Manila who are up for some adventure and interested to know more about the Philippines by experiencing its culture,” said ABSCBN Global Content Head Ned Legaspi. Making the cut are foreign exchange students Lydia from Indonesia, JY from South Korea and Santi from Spain. Besides coming from different countries, one thing that
Lydia, JY, and Santi have in common is their limited knowledge about Filipinos, who they mingle with every day at their respective universities. Through the show, 'Diversity', they get a oneof-a-kind experience and learn about the Filipino culture as they are immersed into the Aeta community during their recent visit to Tarlac. The Aeta are believed to be one of the first groups of indigenous people who
New inflight video to educate visitors about biosecurity ful pests and diseases. “The new in-flight video provides a clear message about what everyone’s responsibilities are when arriving here. The simple lesson is; if you're unsure about an item you’ve got – declare it. “Things like the Queensland fruit fly
and brown marmorated stink bug have the potential to cause significant damage to our primary sector, our environment and to our unique way of life.” The video features Auckland based Quarantine Officers Fin and Kenneth, who can usually be found on-the-
inhabited the Philippines and are identified by their dark complexion and kinky hair. In the first two episodes of 'Diversity' they will be given a quick overview of the Philippines’ rich history. They will also get to visit and bond with the young Aeta in their community school, which will hopefully leave them with realizations and an experience that instantly connect them to the community. “We hope that through this show we can encourage more foreign nationals not just to bask in the beauty of our country, but also to have an appreciation of the rich culture of the Filipinos,” Legaspi stated.
ground at Auckland International Airport. Detector dog Darwin the beagle has a starring role in the video. Darwin and handler Mikkiie work on the front line sniffing out items that aren't allowed here. Mr Smith says that he is pleased that the majority of airlines that fly into the country have agreed to play the video. Watch the video at website: www. travelgalore.nz
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BUHAY OVERSEAS
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Bad recruitment agents in the firing line ... MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte thinks there should be a separate Department of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) established by year end to prevent abusive recruiters from harming more Filipinos. During the Araw ng Pasasalamat for OFWs in Camp General Aguinaldo on July 12, Duterte said he wanted the government to control and supervise the recruitment process of OFWs. “By December … Buong Pilipinas ‘to. Bawal na ‘yang recruitment diyan sa labas napunta ka doon. Doon ka makipag-deal, may listahan doon, mamili ka na lang kung sinong gusto mo. This is for the entire P h i l i p p i n e s . Recruitment outside government will be
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the "Araw ng Pasasalamat" for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 12, 2019. Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo
prohibited,” Duterte said in his speech. “Government supervision and control because what has happened and has been happening is not
acceptable to the Filipino now,” he added. Duterte said the days of overseas recruiters are numbered since the creation of a new
department would enhance measures to protect the interests of Filipinos living and working abroad. “I have the power to do that because that
kind of mechanism of recruiting Filipino workers abroad has been abused and abused and abused,” Duterte said. Earlier, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the President’s former aide, vowed the creation of a Department of OFWs among his priority bills in the upcoming 18th Congress. Labour migration rights advocate Susan "Toots" Ople welcomed Duterte's proposal noting that it will give the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) more time to focus on the problems of local workers. At present, the DOLE’s attached agency, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is in charge of regulating all recruitment agencies in the Philippines. (PNA)
Department of OFWs to be set up by year-end MANILA - Dismayed by continuous abuses of overseas Filipino workers, President Duterte said he will ban recruitment of OFWs abroad and will put Philippine-based recruitment agencies under strict government regulation. He warned unscrupulous recruitment agencies saying, “Kaya kayong mga recruitment, bilang talaga ang araw ninyo. ‘Pag hindi ko kayo nadala sa usapan na maganda, brasohan tayo. ‘Pag nag-brasohan tayo, kayo ang matatalo. Sigurado ‘yan.” He also promised OFWs to designate police attachés to countries with huge population of Filipino workers. OFWs can approach the police attachés whenever they encounter abuses or security concerns abroad. “The police attaché will connect you to…dito sa Pilipinas kung ano ang problema. And they will be trained to help you in legal matters of how to do it in the meantime that you are not here to solve the problem,” he explained.
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